Locking fixture for a degradation assembly

ABSTRACT

In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. A stem protrudes from the bolster, being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. A locking fixture is disposed within the bore and locking the stem to a wall of the bore.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/051,738 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/051,689 which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/051,586 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/021,051 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/021,019 which was a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/971,965 which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/947,644, which was acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/844,586.U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/844,586 is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/829,761. U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/829,761 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/773,271. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/773,271 is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,903.U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,903 is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/766,865. U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/766,865 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/742,304. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,304 is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,261. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/742,261 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/464,008. U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/464,008 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/463,998. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,998 is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,990.U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,990 is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,975. U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/463,975 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/463,962. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,962 is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,953. Thepresent application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/695,672. U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/695,672 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/686,831. All of these applications are herein incorporated byreference for all that they contain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Formation degradation, such as pavement milling, mining, or excavating,may be performed using impact resistant picks. These picks may bemounted to a driving mechanism in a variety of ways, some of which maybe more effective in formation degradation applications than others.Thus, many efforts have been made to optimize the method of attachmentto the driving mechanism.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly comprises animpact tip brazed to a carbide bolster. A stem protrudes from thebolster, being adapted to be retained within a bore connected to adriving mechanism. A locking fixture is disposed within the bore andlocking the stem to a wall of the bore.

The carbide bolster may comprise a cavity formed in its base end and maybe interlocked with the stem. The stem may be interlocked with thebolster through a threadform. The stem may be interlocked through atleast one catch. The stem may be interlocked through a press fit. Thestem may be formed of the same material as the bolster. The lockingfixture may comprise a snap ring. The locking fixture may comprise aring disposed around the stem. The ring may comprise at least one barbon its outer surface adapted to engage the wall of the bore. The lockingfixture may comprise a threadform. The assembly may comprise atensioning mechanism adapted to apply tension on the stem. Thetensioning mechanism may comprise a shrunk material. The tensioningmechanism may comprise at least one threadform and a nut. The bolstermay comprise a tapered base end. The bolster may comprise a lip adaptedto accommodate the removal of the assembly from the bore.

In another aspect of the invention, a method for assembling adegradation assembly, may comprise the steps of providing thedegradation assembly comprising an impact tip brazed to a carbidebolster with a stem protruding from the bolster being adapted to beretained within a bore connected to a driving mechanism. The method mayfurther comprise the step of securing the stem within the bore byinserting the stem into the bore such that a locking fixture disposedaround the stem permanently locks against a wall of the bore. The methodalso may comprise the step of adding a metal insert into the bore priorto securing the stem within the bore. The method may also comprise thestep of removing the assembly from the bore. The method may alsocomprise the step of inserting another degradation assembly with ashorter stem into the bore.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradationassembly with an enlarged view.

FIG. 2 a is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 2 b is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 5 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 6 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 8 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 9 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 9 a is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 9 b is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 9 c is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 10 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradationassembly on a drum.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradationassembly on a cone crusher.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradationassembly on a percussion bit.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradationassembly on a rotary drag bit.

FIG. 15 a is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradationassembly on a rotary drag bit.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradationassembly on a roller cone.

FIG. 16 a is a cross-sectional diagram of another embodiment of adegradation assembly on a roller cone.

FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a method for assembling a degradationassembly.

FIG. 18 is an embodiment of a method for tightening a degradationassembly.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of an embodiment of a fastening assembly.

FIG. 20 is a diagram of another embodiment of a fastening assembly.

FIG. 21 a is a diagram of another embodiment of a fastening assembly.

FIG. 21 b is a diagram of another embodiment of a fastening assembly.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of another embodiment of a fastening assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradationassembly with an enlarged view. The degradation assembly 100 comprisesan impact tip 102 attached to a carbide bolster 101. In someembodiments, the impact tip 102 may comprise a superhard material 104attached to a cemented metal carbide substrate 103.

The super hard material 104 may comprise diamond, polycrystallinediamond with a binder concentration of 1 to 40 weight percent, cubicboron nitride, refractory metal bonded diamond, silicon bonded diamond,layered diamond, infiltrated diamond, thermally stable diamond, naturaldiamond, vapor deposited diamond, physically deposited diamond, diamondimpregnated matrix, diamond impregnated carbide, monolithic diamond,polished diamond, course diamond, fine diamond, nonmetal catalyzeddiamond, cemented metal carbide, chromium, titanium, aluminum, tungsten,or combinations thereof. The super hard material may be apolycrystalline structure with an average grain size of 10 to 100microns. In this embodiment, the carbide bolster 101 comprises a cavity105 into which the stem 113 is inserted. The stem 113 may be held inplace using a snap ring 106 which is inserted into the cavity 105 anddisposed between the stem 113 and a lip of the bolster 101. Springs 110may be disposed around the stem 113 and be adapted to push off theanchor 111 to apply tension to the stem. An insert 109 is disposedaround the stem 113 and intermediate the bolster 101 and springs 110. Athreadform may connect a nut to the stem to provide a surface for thespring to load the stem. The anchor may comprise barbs 120 that engagethat secure the insert 109 to a wall of the bore 122 upon insertion ofthe degradation assembly 100 into the bore 121. A steel ring 107 isdisposed intermediate the bolster 101 and a meltable spacer 108. Atightening assembly 140 within the degradation assembly 100 is adaptedto apply tension between the bolster 101 and anchor 111 through the stem113.

The meltable spacer 108 is adapted to melt when heat is applied to thedegradation assembly 100 through the carbide bolster 101. As themeltable spacer 108 melts the tension on the stem pulls the bolstercloser to the anchor, effectively tightening the connection. Thetightening assembly 140 pulls on the carbide bolster 101 thus securingthe bolster 101 to the driving mechanism 125. The meltable space maycomprise lead, bismuth, tin, cadmium, wax, plastic or combinationsthereof. The meltable spacer may melt at a temperature significantlylower than the bolster and/or stem. The meltable spacer may be a ring, ashim, wedge, ball, cube, roller, arc segment, or combinations thereofPreferably the meltable spacer comprise comprises a characteristic suchthat when it changes from a solid phase to a liquid phase, the phasechange occurs rapidly. In some embodiments, the pull down stroke is nogreater than an inch. In some embodiments, the lip through molding orthe lip may be formed by grinding, or a CNC process.

The springs 110 may be Bellville springs, biased rings, coil springs,gas springs, rubber, an elastomeric material or combinations thereof.The springs may also provide the benefit of providing a variable pulldown force on the bolster. Often degradation assemblies will heat upwhile in operation causing all of the components to thermally expand.Often the bolster will have a lower coefficient of thermal expansionthat the material forming the bore wall and therefore the bore wall maywant to separate from the bolster. The pull-down force of the springswill keep the bolster snug against the bore wall under the differingtemperature and expansion changes.

The invention is especially well suited for applications where insertsor some kind of connection is in needed to be made in a blind hole.

FIG. 2 a shows a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the wall of the bore 122comprises a series of stepped notches 210 adapted to fit to theincreased size of the insert 109. After having used a degradationassembly 100, the used assembly is removed from the bore 121 andreplaced with another assembly 100. The newly inserted assembly 100comprises at least one barb 120 on the anchor such that upon insertionof the assembly 100, the at least one barb 120 contacts the wall of thebore 122 at a different location than the previous barb was used.

FIG. 2 b shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the wall of the bore 122also comprises a series of stepped notches 210 adapted to fit to theincreased size of the insert 109. After having used a second degradationassembly 100, the used assembly is removed from the bore 121 andreplaced with another assembly 100. The newly inserted assembly 100comprises at least one barb 120 disposed such that upon insertion of theassembly 100, the at least one barb 120 contacts the wall of the bore122 father from the bottom of the bore 150 than the point of contact ofthe previous assembly.

FIG. 3 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. The stem 113 is restricted from removal fromthe cavity 105 by a snap ring 106 disposed around the stem 113 and anotch 300 disposed on the larger portion of the stem 113. The snap ring106 contacts a wall of the cavity 301 and the notch 300, thusrestricting the removal of stem 113 from the cavity 105.

FIG. 4 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. The stem 113 may be secured to the anchor 400through a press fit. The anchor 400, in this embodiment, is disposedfarther from the bottom of the bore 150 than the previous anchor 401. Aspacer 402 is disposed intermediate the anchor 400 and the bolster 101.In other embodiments, the anchor may be secured through threads, ahydraulically activated mechanism, inserts, wedges, balls, aninterlocking geometry or combinations thereof.

FIG. 5 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. A third assembly 100 is shown in thisembodiment. Previous anchors, 501/502 are shown disposed closer to thebottom of the bore 150 than the anchor 500 used by the assembly 100 inthis embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. The stem 113 is secured to the anchor 111through a threadform 112.

FIG. 7 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. The anchor 111 is secured to the drivingmechanism 125 through a threadform 700.

FIG. 8 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. The stem 113 is secured to the bolster 101through a threadform 800.

FIG. 9 a shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. The degradation assembly 100 may be press fitinto the bore 121. The meltable spacer 108 is disposed intermediate thebolster 101 and the insert 109. The meltable spacer 108 may cause thebolster 101 to sit slightly elevated out of the bore 121 leaving a gap901 intermediate the bolster 101 and the driving mechanism 125.

FIG. 9 b shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. In the absence of a solid meltable spacer(shown in FIG. 9 a), the tightening assembly 140 pulls the bolster 101towards into the bore 150 and seats the bolster 101 against a taperedsurface of the driving mechanism 125. The meltable spacer may flow intothe gap between the stem and the insert.

FIG. 9 c discloses an embodiment of the bolster being removed from thebore. A puller 5002 comprises a first portion 5000 that braces againstthe driving mechanism and a second portion 5001 that attaches to thebolster 101 and pulls on the bolster 101. This movement breaks the stem113 and allows the bolster 101 to be recycled while leaving the anchorin place. The stem 113 and insert 109 may then be removed more easily.In other embodiments another bolster may be inserted into the bore beingtensioned off of another anchor which is located above the previousanchor.

FIG. 10 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. The stem 113 may comprise a radial protrusion1000 adapted to interlock with a recess 1001 disposed in the anchor 111.The interlocking radial protrusion 1000 and recess 1001 secure theanchor 111 to the stem 113.

FIG. 11 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. Heat is applied with a torch 1100 to theimpact tip 102 and/or the bolster 101 to melt the meltable spacer (shownin FIG. 9 a). In some embodiments, the heat may be applied through adirect flame, radiant heat, furnace, heating coil, or combinationsthereof.

FIG. 12 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the degradation assembly100 is attached to a drum 1200.

FIG. 13 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the degradation assembly100 is attached to a cone crusher 1300.

FIG. 14 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the degradation assembly100 is attached to a percussion bit 1400.

FIG. 15 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the degradation assembly100 is attached to a shear bit 1500. FIG. 15 a shows anothercross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 100which an assembly protruding beyond the face 5004 of the drill bit.

FIG. 16 shows another cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of adegradation assembly 100. In this embodiment, the degradation assembly100 is attached to a roller cone 1600. The roller cone 1600 is showndegrading a formation 1610. FIG. 16 a discloses another embodiment of aroller cone. The gauge insert 1650 in this embodiment is a flat andadapted to reduce wear on the gauge row of the roller cone. Although notshown, in some embodiments, the inserts may be enhanced with a hardermaterial such as polycrystalline diamond, cubic boron nitride, hardfacing, carbide, or combinations thereof.

FIG. 17 is an embodiment of a method 900 for assembling a degradationassembly 100. The method 900 may include the steps of providing 901 thedegradation assembly comprising an impact tip 102 brazed to a carbidebolster 101 with a stem 113 protruding from the bolster 101 beingadapted to be retained within a bore 121 connected to a drivingmechanism 125; securing 902 the stem 113 within the bore by insertingthe stem 113 into the bore 121 such that a locking fixture disposedaround the stem 113 permanently locks against a wall of the bore 122.

FIG. 18 is an embodiment of a method 1000 for tightening a degradationassembly 100. The method 1000 may include the steps of providing 1001 atightening assembly 140 adapted to apply tension between a structuralelement 101 and an anchor 111 and at least one meltable spacer 108adapted to separate the structural element 101 and the anchor 111;anchoring 1002 the tightening assembly 140 into a bore 121 by pushingthe assembly 100 into the bore 121 such that the anchor 111 firmlyengages a wall of the bore 122; tightening 1003 the assembly 100 byheating the at least one meltable spacer 108 such that the at least onemeltable spacer 108 melts, allowing the tightening assembly 140 to pullthe structural element 101 closer to the anchor 111.

FIG. 19 discloses a structural element 2000 secured within a boresimilar to how the stem is secured within the bore in FIG. 1. The bore121 may be formed in a driving mechanism, a frame, a wall, a floor, asupport, a vehicle, a bolster, table or combinations thereof. Thestructural element 2000 may be a component of the overall structurewhich is tightly secured to the bore 121.

FIG. 20 discloses the fastening mechanism 2600 connecting a chair leg2500 to a chair seat 2501. FIG. 21 b discloses the fastening mechanism2600 connecting a cabinet 2601 to a wall 2602. The fastening mechanism2600 may be used to connect any structure to another, especially wherethe connection involves a blind hole. FIG. 21 a discloses two boards5006 being held together with the fastening assembly 2600 through ablind hole 5005.

FIG. 22 discloses another embodiment of a fastening mechanism 2600. Inthis embodiment, the anchor comprises at least one slot 5007, whichprovides a radial spring force adapted to hold the anchor against thewall of the bore. In this embodiment, the springs are between the anchorand an insert.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relationto the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other andfurther modifications apart from those shown or suggested herein, may bemade within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

1. A degradation assembly, comprising: an impact tip brazed to a carbidebolster; a stem protruding from the bolster being adapted to be retainedwithin a bore connected to a driving mechanism; a locking fixturedisposed within the bore and locking the stem to a wall of the bore. 2.The assembly of claim 1, wherein the carbide bolster comprises a cavityformed in its base end and is interlocked with the stem.
 3. The assemblyof claim 1, wherein the stem is interlocked with the bolster through athreadform.
 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the stem is interlockedthrough at least one catch.
 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the stemis interlocked through a press fit.
 6. The assembly of claim 1, whereinthe stem is formed of the same material as the bolster.
 7. The assemblyof claim 1, wherein the locking fixture comprises a snap ring.
 8. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the locking fixture comprises a ringdisposed around the stem.
 9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the ringcomprises at least one barb on its outer surface adapted to engage thewall of the bore.
 10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the lockingfixture comprises a threadform.
 11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein theassembly comprises a tensioning mechanism adapted to apply tension onthe stem.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the tensioning mechanismcomprises a shrunk material.
 13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein thetensioning mechanism comprises at least one threadform and a nut. 14.The assembly of claim 1, wherein a meltable spacer intermediate thebolster and anchor comprises a material selected from a group comprisinglead, cadmium, tin, bismuth, wax, plastic or combinations thereof.
 15. Afastening assembly, comprising: a structural element interlocked with anstem; the anchor being adapted to be retained within a blind hole; and alocking fixture disposed within the blind hole and locking the stem to awall of the bore through an anchor.
 16. The assembly of claim 15 whereinthe space is spring-loaded.
 17. A method for assembling a degradationassembly, comprising the steps of: providing the degradation assemblycomprising an impact tip brazed to a carbide bolster with a stemprotruding from the bolster being adapted to be retained within a boreconnected to a driving mechanism; securing the stem within the bore byinserting the stem into the bore such that a locking fixture disposedaround the stem permanently locks against a wall of the bore.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises the step ofadding a metal insert into the bore prior to securing the stem withinthe bore.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the method furthercomprises the step of removing the assembly from the bore.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises the step ofinserting another degradation assembly into the bore.